A MAJOR milestone in the regeneration of Fort Regent has been marked with a planning application submitted to refurbish the iconic domed roof.
The Jersey Development Company has submitted plans which, if approved, will see the complete refurbishment of the 50-year-old, Grade-2-listed glazed roof covering.
Funding for first phase of the project was secured when the States Assembly approved borrowing £43 million in the Budget in December.
The JDC has said the project aims to extend the life of the roof by 30 years, while protecting the building’s character, making it safer for public use, and making it more weathertight.
To support the planning application, several survey reports of the existing structure were submitted and pre-application discussions were held with the Planning Department and heritage specialists.
A 2024 report by the JDC on the white membrane glazing over the roof, was also submitted with the plans to provide context on the white roof’s condition.
It said that the membrane roof has already had “extensive repairs” which have been “largely unsuccessful”.
The report stated that the white roof is peeling off in patches “again” and “is at end of its expected design life”.
The 2024 report also said most of the glass surrouding the structure is not airtight and “does not comply with current health and safety standards”.
Structural engineer Ridge visually assessed the condition of the steelwork supporting the roof in September and October, and reported that the metal attaching the white cover to the inside of the building was “generally found to be in good working order”.
The engineers did however find surface corrosion and water leakage and noted that their findings marked “only the beginning of the deterioration process”.
The report also said that further corrosion could still exist on removal of cladding and any internal investigations, which Ridge did not undertake in their surveys.
Ridge recommended that a “watching brief” be set up by the JDC during any refurbishment of the roof so that a structural engineer can review the condition of the steelwork as it is exposed with removal of cladding.
Next steps
If this application is approved by planning, work is expected to start on the roof this summer.
The approved funding will also support asbestos removal, soft strip works, demolition of non-listed elements and upgrades to mains services.
The JDC is expecting to submit further plans during the first and second quarters of this year. The leisure centre will continue with the expected re-opening due at the end of 2028.
In a supporting document to the plans, JDC chief executive Lee Henry said plans to refurbish the iconic listed roof “are designed to preserve its character while addressing urgent maintenance needs”.
Mr Henry explained the refurbishment works are as a result of the roof deteriorating due to age and so ” is essential to protect the building’s integrity and ensure public safety”.
He added: “This refurbishment will secure Fort Regent’s long-term future, safeguard its heritage value, and support its continued use as a community and cultural venue as part of the broader regeneration plans.”
